The nation's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not create binding law.
"An effective age limit is a useful first step," commented the MEP behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond these regions, further states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international bodies take a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and others show that governments globally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
