🔗 Share this article

The nation's bold policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," commented one MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, other states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this global discussion continues, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that governments globally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.