The nation's decisive move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented one European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive research".
Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and fit for children," stated a influential peer.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, action is primarily happening at the local level due to national stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond these regions, other nations are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
