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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are no longer content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.