The nation's decisive move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level amid national stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, other nations are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
