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Australia's decisive action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

In Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research".

Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," said a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the regional level amid national gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, additional states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are less and less content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.