The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation could be passed next year.
- Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law raising 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 parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," stated one MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust research".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and fit for minors," stated a influential peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional government level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of the West, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.
Even as this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments globally are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
