The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," commented one MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust research".
Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others indicate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
