The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a influential peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
