The nation's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Movement
In Europe, a growing number of states are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This 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 influential peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
