The nation's decisive move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be passed next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," stated one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Last year, support built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, action is primarily happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Beyond these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this international conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
