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The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the local government level due to national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Apart from the West, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this international discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.