The nation's bold move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading MEP behind the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Outside of these regions, additional countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
