The nation's decisive action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good foundation," stated the European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research".
Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.
- Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of the West, additional nations are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies take a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.
As this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that states globally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
