The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, action is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, further states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
While this international debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
