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Australia's bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal raising 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 suggested a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create binding law.

"An effective age limit is a good foundation," stated the parliamentarian supporting the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and fit for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, further nations are similarly exploring options.

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

However, world organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that governments internationally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.