The nation's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for joining 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 comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," commented one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state level due to federal inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
While this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that states globally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
