The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
