The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy could be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive data".
Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and suitable for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some figures to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
