The nation's decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," stated the European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust data".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.