🔗 Share this article

The Australian controversial policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said one MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and fit for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level due to national gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Apart from the West, further countries are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

As this global debate evolves, the policies of Australia and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.