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The Australian bold action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said one MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, further nations are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this international debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.