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The Australian bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from these regions, other countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.