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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," stated the European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a leading peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global agencies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.