The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international agencies take a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.
While this international debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
