🔗 Share this article

Australia's bold action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," stated the MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

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

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to follow this path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this global debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others show that governments globally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.