The nation's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a bill 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 parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who died after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," said a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, additional countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
As this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
