The nation's bold move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to enact a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," stated the MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from these regions, further nations are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
