The nation's bold action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," said one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, additional nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states globally are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
