The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising number of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," stated the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the local government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond the West, other countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
While this international debate evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers show that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
