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The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," said a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.