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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the local government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

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

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this international conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.