The nation's decisive move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law may be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," said one MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional level amid national inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, further countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that states globally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
