The nation's decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," stated one MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is largely happening at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from these regions, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this international discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
