The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing number of states are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong data".
Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the local government level amid federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to copy this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.
