The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Outside of the West, additional countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international agencies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.
While this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
