The nation's bold policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law may be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," said the parliamentarian behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and fit for minors," stated a influential peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that states around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
