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The Australian controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," stated the MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a teenager who died after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from the West, additional countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

While this international debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.