The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," stated the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the local level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
