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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," said the MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong data".

Earlier, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to mimic this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from the West, other nations are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

As this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.