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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," said one European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.