Might Different States Follow Australia's Example in Prohibiting Social Media for Teenagers Under 16?

The nation's decisive action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.