The nation's bold policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law could be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," commented one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent peer.
America: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, further nations are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
As this global discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
