The nation's controversial move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"An effective age limit is a useful first step," said one MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond the West, further states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
