The nation's bold action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," commented one MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust research".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this global conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
