The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government committed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of this nation and others indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
