🔗 Share this article

The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

While this global debate evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.