The nation's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, support built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is largely occurring at the local level due to national stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Outside of the West, further nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
As this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
