The nation's decisive action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent peer.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state government level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
