The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "a potential options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, support built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the state level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, further states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
Even as this global discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
