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The Australian controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and fit for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

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

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that states around the world are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.