The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.
The European Movement
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward parallel bans.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
- The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.
"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading MEP driving the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive data".
Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.
Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a leading peer.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, action is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Views
Beyond the West, further countries are also considering moves.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.
However, world organizations strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.
