The nation's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.
- The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures under consideration".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," commented the MEP driving the resolution.
The UK: A Cautious Approach
For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive data".
Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.
"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.
The US: A Fragmented Approach
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
- Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Beyond these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, global bodies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.
Even as this global conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that states around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.
