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The nation's controversial move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," said one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and fit for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, regulation is largely happening at the state government level amid national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.