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The Australian bold action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing number of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," commented one MEP behind the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the state government level due to national stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this global conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.