🔗 Share this article

The nation's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law may be passed next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," commented one European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional government level amid national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.