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The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this global debate continues, the policies of this nation and others show that policymakers around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.