The nation's decisive move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who died after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and fit for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level due to national stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
