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Australia's decisive action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward comparable bans.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

As this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.