The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar bans.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," commented a leading MEP driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of these regions, further nations are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
Even as this global debate continues, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that states internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
