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Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is largely happening at the local level amid national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond the West, further nations are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this global discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.