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The Australian bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a good first step," said one MEP supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• 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 proposals from certain politicians to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this global debate evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that states globally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.