The nation's bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.
European Movement
Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward parallel bans.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.
"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," said a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye
Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level amid national inaction.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.
Worldwide Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international agencies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.
Even as this global debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
