The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to approve a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," stated a leading MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust research".
Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the state government level amid national inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global agencies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.
As this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
