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The Australian decisive policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong data".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the state level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from the West, other countries are similarly considering moves.

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

However, international bodies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.