Could Different Nations Pursue Australia's Lead in Restricting Online Networks for Under-16s?

The Australian controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's youth". The policy may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," commented one MEP behind the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the local level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.