The nation's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," commented the MEP behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the local government level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
