The nation's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward similar bans.
- Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be enacted next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Watchful Approach
In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Previously, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to further research the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level amid national stalemate.
- The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
International Perspectives
Apart from the West, further states are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, global bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.
