The nation's decisive policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy may be enacted soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the local government level due to national inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, further nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
