The nation's controversial action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," stated one MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the local level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global bodies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that states around the world are less and less content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
