🔗 Share this article

The nation's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," stated the parliamentarian driving the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that governments globally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.