The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the access age for using 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 legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the state government level amid national inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.
While this global discussion continues, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
