The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," said one MEP driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong data".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, other states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
