The nation's bold policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.
European Movement
In Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their children from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.
The US: A State-by-State Landscape
In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Outside of the West, other states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, international bodies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.
While this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are no longer content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.
