The nation's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Momentum
Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring comparable bans.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
- Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a bill 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 legislative committee has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
- The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.
At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.
The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance
Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive research".
Earlier, support built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent peer.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.
- The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
- Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
- Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Outside of these regions, further countries are similarly exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, world bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.
Even as this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.
