The nation's decisive move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". A law may be formalized soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".
Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a leading peer.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the state level due to federal gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Views
Outside of the West, further countries are also considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.
Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are less and less content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
