The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented one MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong research".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the local government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global discussion continues, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that governments globally are no longer content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
