The nation's bold action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be passed soon.
- Norway 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 introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," commented a leading MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world agencies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
While this global discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that states globally are less and less content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
