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Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the state level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

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

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.