The nation's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," commented the MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
As this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are less and less content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
