The nation's bold move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good first step," commented one European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others show that governments internationally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
