The nation's bold action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," stated the MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust data".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international organizations adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this global debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
