The nation's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy may be passed next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," stated the MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the state level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, further nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
While this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that states internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
