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Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," said one MEP driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local government level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of the West, other states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this international conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.