The nation's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.
The European Movement
In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring similar bans.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," said one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.
America: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to mimic this path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Views
Outside of these regions, additional countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world agencies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
