The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the regional level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, world bodies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
