The nation's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.
"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading MEP supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the regional level amid federal inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- The state of Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Views
Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, global agencies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
As this global conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states globally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
