The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," said one MEP supporting the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other states are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world bodies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.
