The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," said the MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and fit for minors," commented a influential peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
