The nation's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
- In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," said a leading MEP driving the initiative.
Britain: A Cautious Eye
For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust research".
Last year, interest grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization established by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a leading peer.
The United States: A Fragmented Landscape
Across America, action is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.
Worldwide Perspectives
Apart from Europe and the US, further states are likewise exploring options.
- Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.
However, world organizations take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.
Even as this international conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.
