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The nation's bold policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," said a leading MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," said a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to mimic this example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, additional states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

Even as this international conversation continues, the steps of this nation and its followers show that states globally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.