The nation's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Charities have expressed concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the regional government level due to national gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
