The nation's bold move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state level due to federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Views
Apart from these regions, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
As this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
