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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," said the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.

America: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the local level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to copy this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.