The nation's bold policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
