The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a influential peer.
America: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that states internationally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
