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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation could be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," stated one MEP supporting the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, other states are similarly taking action.

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

But, global agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

As this international debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.