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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a leading peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this international debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.