The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after viewing harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a influential peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid national stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to mimic this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, additional states are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this global debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that states internationally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.