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Australia's bold policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". A law could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

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

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is primarily happening at the state level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations strike a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.