The nation's bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust data".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the state government level due to federal inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
Even as this international debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
