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Australia's decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising group of states are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust data".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level amid national stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of the West, other states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states globally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.