The nation's controversial action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
