The nation's controversial policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," commented the MEP behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state government level due to federal stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to follow this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that governments internationally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
