🔗 Share this article

The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising number of states are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," stated the parliamentarian driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government committed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a influential peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.