The nation's bold policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," stated the European lawmaker supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong data".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a prominent peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the state government level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of the West, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that states globally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
