🔗 Share this article

The Australian controversial move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and fit for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that governments internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.