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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, other states are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this international debate continues, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.