The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of states are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
While this international conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
