The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, action is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, further states are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments globally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
