The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," stated one MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
