The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
Even as this international debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and others show that governments globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
