The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation could be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their children 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 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong data".
Previously, support built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
Even as this international discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
