The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global organizations take a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers internationally are no longer content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
