The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a growing number of nations are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust research".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the local level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to copy this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
