The nation's bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
European Trend
In Europe, a growing number of states are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," stated the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments globally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
