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Australia's bold action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum 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 parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, other countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this global discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.