The nation's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, action is largely unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of the West, additional states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this international conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments internationally are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
