The nation's controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," commented a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the local government level due to national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, other countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that governments internationally are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
