The nation's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law may be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said a leading MEP driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong data".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
