The nation's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
Even as this global discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states internationally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
