The nation's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of nations are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age limit is a good first step," said the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".
Previously, momentum built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Outside of the West, additional countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this international debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
