The nation's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Trend
Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," said the parliamentarian supporting the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust data".
Earlier, support built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Landscape
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Outlook
Beyond the West, other states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global agencies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
As this global debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
