The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to copy this path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
While this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are less and less willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
