The nation's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," stated a leading MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and fit for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond these regions, additional nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
