The nation's decisive move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy may be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and suitable for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global agencies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments internationally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
