The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy may be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," commented a leading MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
Even as this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
