The nation's bold policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Movement
Across Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring parallel measures.
- Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation could be enacted next year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.
"A strong age limit is a good starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the measure.
Britain: A Cautious Stance
In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong research".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.
Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are secure and suitable for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.
America: A Decentralized Picture
In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
- Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
- Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.
Even with widespread concern and calls from various politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
Global Outlook
Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are similarly considering moves.
- The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
But, international agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.
As this international discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.
