The nation's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," stated the parliamentarian behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level amid national stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to copy this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
