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Australia's bold action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". A law may be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," said the MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the local level due to national gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to copy this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that states globally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.