The nation's decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "an options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust data".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and fit for minors," commented a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Apart from the West, additional states are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this worldwide debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states internationally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
