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Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". A law could be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," stated the MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to copy this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that states globally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.