The nation's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the legal 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 government panel has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," commented one European lawmaker driving the measure.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the local government level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.
International Views
Outside of these regions, other nations are similarly considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
Yet, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.
As this international discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are less and less content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
