The nation's bold action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
The European Momentum
Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
- The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a solid first step," commented one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach
In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".
Earlier, support grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.
"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional government level due to federal inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, further countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.
As this global discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers globally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.
