The nation's bold move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," said the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level due to federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this international discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
