The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," stated one MEP supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong research".
Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Beyond these regions, further nations are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
As this international conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
