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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," said the MEP supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation established by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the local government level due to federal inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.