The nation's decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," commented one parliamentarian behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level amid country-wide inaction.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Outlook
Apart from the West, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global bodies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
