The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," said the MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations take a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that states globally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
