The nation's controversial move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Trend
In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said one parliamentarian driving the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, action is largely unfolding at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this global debate continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
