The nation's decisive move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.
European Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation could be formalized next year.
- Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not create binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach
Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".
Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.
"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Approach
Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the local level due to federal gridlock.
- Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Views
Apart from these regions, other countries are similarly taking action.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
However, global bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.
While this global debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and others show that policymakers globally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.
