The nation's bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," said a leading MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust data".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level due to federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
