The nation's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a good starting point," commented one MEP driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust research".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the local level due to national gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
