The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". The policy may be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to pass a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a good first step," said the MEP behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are less and less content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
