The nation's decisive action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring comparable measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," said one parliamentarian behind the measure.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the topic.
Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Picture
In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.
- The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.
Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are also taking action.
- Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world bodies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
As this international conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
