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The Australian bold move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," said one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond the West, additional countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this global debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.