The nation's bold action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, 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 group of states are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," commented one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust data".
Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
