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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the local level due to federal inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, other nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.