The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". A law may be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong data".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, additional states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
