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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing number of countries are considering similar bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," said the parliamentarian behind the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.

As this global debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.