The nation's bold move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including 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 before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," said one European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and suitable for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the state government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, other countries are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
As this international debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
