The nation's bold action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," stated one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the local level amid federal inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
Even as this international discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
