The nation's decisive move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Beyond these regions, additional states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international organizations strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that states globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
