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Australia's bold policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

In Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and suitable for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from the West, further countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.