The nation's decisive action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy could be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a good first step," stated the MEP supporting the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust data".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," commented a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is mostly happening at the state government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond the West, other countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international bodies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
