🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy could be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said the MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.