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The Australian decisive action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation could be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, other nations are also taking action.

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

But, global bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.