The nation's bold move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, support built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent 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 faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from these regions, additional nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that states globally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
