The nation's bold move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," said one MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the regional government level amid federal stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some figures to mimic this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies take a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
As this global conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
