The nation's bold move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive data".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is primarily happening at the regional level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this international conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
