The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading MEP driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
