The nation's decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law may be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong data".
Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization established by the family of a young person who died after encountering harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
