The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to approve a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a useful first step," said one MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to copy this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
