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Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust data".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," said a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.

While this international discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.