The nation's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Trend
Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". A law may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to approve a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," commented the European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust research".
Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the state level due to national inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
- Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.
As this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments globally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
