The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented the parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state level due to country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
