The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," said a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust data".
Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is mostly happening at the state level amid national gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
