The nation's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," said one MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization established by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, action is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Beyond the West, other countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of this nation and its followers show that states internationally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
