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Australia's bold policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," said the MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong research".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level due to national stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.