The nation's bold policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".
Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local level due to national inaction.
- Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
International Perspectives
Beyond the West, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
