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The Australian controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," said the European lawmaker behind the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".

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

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the state level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.

Even as this global conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and others show that governments internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.