The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring parallel bans.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their kids from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the state level due to national gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Views
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.
While this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.
