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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," commented the parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.