The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," stated one MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on robust data".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of the West, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global agencies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this global discussion continues, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states globally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
