The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is largely happening at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
