The nation's controversial policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of states are considering similar bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," stated one MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
While this international conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that states globally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
