The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," commented one MEP supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Beyond the West, additional countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that states globally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
