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Australia's controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," commented one MEP supporting the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from these regions, other states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.