The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," said one MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is largely happening at the local level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
Even as this international debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
