The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy may be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to enact a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," said one MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the local level due to federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond these regions, additional states are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.
While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.
