The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.
While this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
