The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation may be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not create binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," said one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised concerns. An organization established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the local government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies take a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
