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Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," stated the European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust research".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and fit for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the local government level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, other states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are no longer content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.