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The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a rising group of states are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," commented the MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional level amid national gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.