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Australia's decisive move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," commented the MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a leading peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this international conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.