The nation's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
The European Trend
Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be passed soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," stated the parliamentarian behind the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive data".
Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the state level due to national gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.
Worldwide Perspectives
Outside of these regions, additional states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.
Even as this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that governments around the world are no longer willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.
