Might Different Nations Pursue Australia's Lead in Prohibiting Online Networks for Under-16s?

The Australian bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not create binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," said a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong research".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to follow this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.

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

However, world agencies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this global debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that governments globally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.