The nation's bold policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy may be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," stated one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust research".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond the West, further states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this global conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
