The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," stated one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust research".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and fit for minors," commented a influential peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid national gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
But, global bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this global discussion continues, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
