The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated the European lawmaker driving the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong data".
Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level amid country-wide gridlock.
- The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that states globally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
