The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are considering parallel bans.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy could be passed soon.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," stated the European lawmaker driving the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust data".
Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the state government level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies take a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states internationally are no longer content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
