The nation's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a useful first step," commented the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, world bodies adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
