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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

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

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". A law may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid national stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.