The nation's bold action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader 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 administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good first step," said the parliamentarian driving the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international agencies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are no longer content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.
