The nation's controversial move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
