The nation's bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy could be passed next year.
- Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Apart from the West, further countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this international discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
