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The Australian decisive action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," stated one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

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

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that states internationally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.