The nation's decisive move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
European Movement
Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," said one parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust data".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A State-by-State Approach
Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to copy this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Perspectives
Beyond the West, other countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, world organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.
While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
