The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to copy this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond these regions, other nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
