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Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this global debate evolves, the steps of this nation and others indicate that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.