The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, other states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
