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The Australian controversial move to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong research".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.