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Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". A law may be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," said the MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this international conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.