The nation's decisive action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of nations are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, support gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this global debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
