The nation's bold policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," stated the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to copy this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations take a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
