The nation's decisive move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to national inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that states globally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
