The nation's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining 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 recommended a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the local government level amid national gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Apart from the West, additional countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
