The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
In Europe, a growing group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global bodies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
As this global debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that states globally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
