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The Australian decisive action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the move does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust data".

Previously, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

Even as this global discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments globally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.