The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
