The nation's bold policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," stated the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong research".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global bodies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
