The nation's controversial move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," said the MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, action is mostly happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even 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.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
