The nation's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level amid federal gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this global conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
