The nation's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.
Across Europe Momentum
Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be enacted soon.
- Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," said one parliamentarian driving the measure.
Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on robust evidence".
Earlier, interest built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.
Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the state government level due to national inaction.
- Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring parental consent for minors to create social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Worldwide Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly taking action.
- Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.
While this global conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments globally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.
