The nation's controversial action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "one of the options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," commented the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong data".
Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other states are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world bodies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
