The nation's controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said a leading MEP supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," said a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the regional government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various figures to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments globally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
