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Australia's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," said one parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to federal inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from the West, further states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.