The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a good first step," commented the MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to follow this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this international debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
