The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," said one MEP behind the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
International Views
Outside of the West, additional countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
However, international organizations strike a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
