The nation's controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," said the MEP behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this global conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that states around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
