The nation's bold action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising number of states are exploring parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a solid first step," said one European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".
Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is mostly happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.
