The nation's decisive action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," said one MEP driving the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a influential peer.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the local level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations take a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that states globally are no longer content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
