The nation's decisive move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". A law may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who died after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the local level amid federal inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of the West, additional countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this international conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
