The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". A law could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said one MEP behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, action is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this international discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
