The nation's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward similar measures.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the state government level due to national stalemate.
- Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international agencies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers globally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
