The nation's decisive move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said one MEP behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to national inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
