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The nation's bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law could be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," said a leading MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

Even as this global conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are less and less content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.