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The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a solid first step," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Apart from the West, further nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

While this international debate evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.