The nation's controversial policy to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.
"An effective age limit is a good foundation," stated the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of the West, other states are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments globally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
