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Australia's controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," commented one MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering harmful online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to follow this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that states internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.