The nation's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". A law may be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," stated the MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the local level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to mimic this path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
