The nation's controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are considering comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," stated one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive data".
Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to further research the topic.
Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is primarily occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this global discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
