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The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," said the MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust data".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

While this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others show that states around the world are no longer content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.