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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research".

Earlier, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the state government level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that states around the world are less and less content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.