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The nation's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law may be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong data".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government committed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation established by the family of a young person who died after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this global conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments globally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.