The nation's controversial move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
In Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful first step," said one MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust data".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level due to national stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
