The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," commented the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments globally are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
