The nation's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," commented the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to mimic this example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
While this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
