The nation's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing number of states are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law may be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to enact a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," said a leading MEP behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Apart from the West, other nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers show that governments internationally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
