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Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond the West, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.