The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a good starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust data".
Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.
Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a influential peer.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level due to national gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond these regions, additional nations are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies take a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that governments around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
