The nation's decisive move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A clear age limit is a good foundation," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.
While this global debate evolves, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
