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Australia's bold action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". A law may be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to national stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, other states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this global debate continues, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.