The nation's controversial action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.
"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said the MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the state level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, international organizations strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
