The nation's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond these regions, additional nations are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
