The nation's bold action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this international debate evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
