The nation's controversial move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the regional government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
As this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
