🔗 Share this article

The nation's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "an measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," commented one MEP supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive research".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and suitable for children," commented a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Beyond the West, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.