The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
