The nation's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the state government level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
