The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," commented one European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust data".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the government committed to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this global debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
