The nation's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," said one MEP behind the initiative.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
