The nation's bold move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," commented one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Outside of these regions, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
