The nation's bold move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," said the MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".
Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the local level amid national inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
As this international debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that states around the world are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
