The nation's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," commented the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of these regions, other nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that states globally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
