The nation's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age limit is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Charities have expressed warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from some figures to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
As this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
