The nation's decisive action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and fit for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Outside of the West, further states are likewise considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, global agencies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this international debate continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.
