The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some individuals to copy this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this international debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
