The nation's decisive action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong data".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international organizations strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
