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The nation's bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong data".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

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

Yet, international agencies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this international discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.