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Australia's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised parents 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 teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," said one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is primarily happening at the local level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other countries are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.