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Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

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

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," said the European lawmaker driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of these regions, further states are likewise considering moves.

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

However, world bodies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

As this global discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers show that governments internationally are less and less content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.