The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," said the MEP behind the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the state government level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, further states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.
