The nation's controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Trend
Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation may be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
- The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the measures on the table".
- In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not create binding law.
"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," said the MEP behind the resolution.
The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong evidence".
Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the local level due to national inaction.
- The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.
Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of the West, additional states are likewise taking action.
- The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.
As this international discussion continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.
