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The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," said the MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust evidence".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

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

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.