The nation's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be passed next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," said one MEP driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust research".
Previously, support built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a girl who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
