The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," said one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the state government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to follow this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
While this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
