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The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.