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The Australian bold policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising number of nations are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy could be passed next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," said the parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the local level due to federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some figures to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.

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

But, global organizations strike a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.