The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation may be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," commented a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond the West, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
Even as this international debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments globally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
