The nation's controversial move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," said a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who died after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
