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Australia's bold policy to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," commented the MEP behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and fit for children," commented a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the local government level amid national inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of the West, other states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of this nation and others show that states globally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.