The nation's bold action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," commented the MEP behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust evidence".
Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government committed to further research the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Apart from these regions, additional states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
While this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others show that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
