The nation's controversial action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," stated the MEP driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is largely unfolding at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to copy this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of the West, further nations are also taking action.
- 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 adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this international discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
