The nation's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the legal 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 recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," said one parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the local level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from the West, other states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
