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The Australian bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good first step," commented the MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the local level due to national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to copy this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond these regions, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.