The nation's bold move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," commented the parliamentarian driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level amid national inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this global debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
