The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward similar bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," said the MEP driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level amid national inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
As this international discussion continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
