Australia's controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
In Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a solid first step," commented a leading MEP driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive data".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Beyond the West, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global organizations adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
