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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.