The nation's bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a proposal raising 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 parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age limit is a useful first step," said a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and fit for young users," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
While this global discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
