The nation's decisive policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," stated the European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, support built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a leading peer.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the regional government level amid country-wide stalemate.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Beyond the West, other nations are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
As this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
