Could Other States Emulate Australia's Example in Prohibiting Online Networks for Under-16s?

The Australian controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," stated one parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this international conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.