The nation's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of nations are considering similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Outside of the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this global discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
