The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law lifting the access 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 move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," said the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and fit for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states globally are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
