The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and fit for young users," commented a influential peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
