The nation's bold move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". A law may be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong research".
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 government pledged to further research the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, further states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
