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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," said the MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that states around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.