The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of countries are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," commented one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
Even as this international debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
