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Australia's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring similar measures.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is mostly happening at the regional level due to national inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this international debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.