🔗 Share this article

The nation's bold action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.