The nation's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," commented the European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
