The nation's controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law could be formalized soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," stated one MEP driving the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local level amid country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, further nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that states internationally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
