🔗 Share this article

Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of states are considering comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," said one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering harmful online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and fit for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are likewise taking action.

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

However, international bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

As this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.