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Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," said one parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Outside of the West, further states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.