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The Australian bold action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to copy this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Outside of the West, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

While this international discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.