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Australia's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Apart from the West, further states are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.