The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward comparable measures.
- Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be passed next year.
- Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated one MEP behind the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".
Previously, support built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A Fragmented Picture
Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level amid national gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are likewise taking action.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.
However, international bodies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
