The nation's controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of states are considering comparable 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 may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," stated one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the state level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, other countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
Even as this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are no longer willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
