The nation's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, additional nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies take a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.
While this global discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
