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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and fit for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is largely happening at the local government level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond these regions, other states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that states internationally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.