The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said one parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust data".
Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, other countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and others indicate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
