The nation's decisive policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be formalized soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, other nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this international discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
