The nation's bold policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized soon.
- The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," said the European lawmaker driving the measure.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and fit for children," said a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
- Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
While this international discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
