The nation's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring similar bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
America: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level amid federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of these regions, additional states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, international agencies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
As this international discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
