The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to enact a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".
Previously, interest grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing harmful online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local government level due to federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors 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 approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
While this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
