The nation's controversial move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, additional states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies take a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
