The nation's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward parallel bans.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," commented the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
