The nation's decisive action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," stated the MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," said a prominent peer.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to follow this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from the West, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this international debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states globally are less and less content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
