The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," commented the MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, action is mostly happening at the local government level amid national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
