The nation's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading MEP behind the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and suitable for children," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the local level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
While this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that states internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
