The nation's decisive move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," said the parliamentarian behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and suitable for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level due to national stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Apart from these regions, additional nations are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
Even as this international debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
