The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law could be passed next year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," said the MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
While this global discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
