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The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing group of countries are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," commented one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful online content contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and fit for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond these regions, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, world organizations adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

As this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.