The nation's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," said the European lawmaker behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from the West, further countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
