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The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," stated one MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong data".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a leading peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

While this international discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers show that governments around the world are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.