The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a useful first step," said one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from these regions, additional countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global bodies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
