The nation's decisive move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and fit for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional government level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
As this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
