🔗 Share this article

The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," stated the European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust data".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to follow this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from the West, additional states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.

Even as this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.