The nation's decisive move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering similar measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," commented a leading MEP driving the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international organizations strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this international debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others show that governments internationally are less and less content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
