The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.
"An effective age limit is a good first step," stated one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization established by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
