The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not create binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," commented one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
