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The nation's decisive action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering similar measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," said a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust research".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and fit for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the local government level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, further states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.