The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," said one MEP driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust evidence".
Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization established by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
