The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are considering comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of the West, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and others show that states internationally are no longer content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
