The nation's bold policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law may be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the local government level due to national stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy this path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Apart from the West, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
Even as this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.