🔗 Share this article

The Australian bold policy to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful first step," said the European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and suitable for children," commented a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this global discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that states around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.