🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation could be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," said the European lawmaker supporting the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the local level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Outside of the West, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.