The nation's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Momentum
In Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation could be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," commented one MEP behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, support grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Picture
Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Views
Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.
However, world agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.
While this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that states internationally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
