🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," commented the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after encountering harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some individuals to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, additional states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global organizations take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this international debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.