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Australia's bold policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," commented one MEP driving the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond the West, other states are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies take a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.