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The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said one European lawmaker driving the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to follow this path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.