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Australia's bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Movement

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

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said one MEP driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and fit for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local level amid national gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, additional countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.