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Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing group of countries are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law may be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to pass a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said one MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this global debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers globally are less and less content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.