The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". A law may be passed soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," commented one parliamentarian behind the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong data".
Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Picture
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the local level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, further states are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.
While this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
