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Australia's controversial move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not create binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," commented the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional government level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.