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Australia's controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," said the MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to mimic this path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Apart from the West, other countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.