The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising number of nations are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to enact a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," commented one MEP behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".
Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Outside of the West, further nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
As this international conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
