The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering similar measures.
- Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be passed in the coming year.
- Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.
"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," commented the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
Britain: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".
Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.
"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and suitable for children," said a leading peer.
The United States: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.
- Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
- Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.
Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to copy this path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.
Global Perspectives
Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.
- Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, international bodies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.
While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that states globally are increasingly prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.
