🔗 Share this article

The Australian controversial action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," stated the parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, action is largely occurring at the local level due to national inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, other nations are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this worldwide debate continues, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.