The nation's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," stated the parliamentarian behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust data".
Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.
As this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that states internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
