The nation's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.
European Trend
In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law could be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".
Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and fit for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.
- Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Outlook
Outside of these regions, other states are also taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, world agencies take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.
While this international debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
