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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation could be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful first step," stated one MEP supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the local government level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Outside of the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.