The nation's bold action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". The policy could be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," said a leading MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust data".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is primarily happening at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
While this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
