The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".
Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the local government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from these regions, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and others show that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
