The nation's controversial action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy may be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the local government level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Apart from the West, other states are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
