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The Australian bold action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the local government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Outside of the West, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.