The nation's bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". A law may be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this international conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
