The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
In Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". A law could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to enact a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.
"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," said one parliamentarian supporting the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, further countries are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
As this international debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that governments globally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.
