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The Australian bold action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is mostly happening at the state level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, other countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

While this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.