Will Different Nations Emulate Australia's Example in Prohibiting Social Platforms for Under-16s?

The nation's bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a useful first step," stated the European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and fit for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.