The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not create binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," commented one MEP supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive data".
Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the regional government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from some individuals to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
