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The Australian controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".

Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the local government level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

While this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.