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The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to block their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the local level amid national stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this international debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that states globally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.