The nation's controversial move to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," commented the MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong data".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from the West, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.
As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
