The nation's decisive policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid first step," said the MEP supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, momentum built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, action is largely happening at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some figures to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this international discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
