The nation's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Trend
In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one MEP behind the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the state government level due to national gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow this example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, global organizations adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.
As this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others show that states globally are no longer willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.
