🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said the MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the state level due to national inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Apart from these regions, further nations are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.