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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, support built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.

As this global conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are no longer content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.