The nation's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong research".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the matter.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the state level amid country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, global agencies strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
As this global discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
