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The Australian bold action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Movement

In Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," said a leading MEP supporting the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the local government level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond the West, further states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that governments globally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.