The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," stated one MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".
Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this global discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
