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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one MEP behind the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further states are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this worldwide debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.