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Australia's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "one of the measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world agencies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that states internationally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.