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The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said one MEP driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on robust data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the local level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, other states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.