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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". The policy may be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," said the MEP driving the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, support built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local government level due to national inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, other countries are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.