The nation's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," commented one European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the state level due to federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies take a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.
While this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
