The nation's bold action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law may be passed soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their kids from social media until 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," commented one MEP driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and suitable for children," said a influential peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, further countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
While this global debate continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
