The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," said one parliamentarian behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is mostly happening at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, further states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this global discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
