The nation's controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.
As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
