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Australia's bold action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," said the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the state level amid national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, additional countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.