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The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Movement

In Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who died after viewing harmful online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, other states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global agencies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that governments internationally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.