The nation's bold move to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that governments globally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
