The nation's bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
European Momentum
In Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.
- The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "an tools on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.
"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Stance
Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, interest grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent peer.
America: A Fragmented Approach
Across America, action is primarily happening at the state level due to national inaction.
- Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.
Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Outside of these regions, further countries are also taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
But, global organizations adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.
While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that states internationally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.
