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The nation's controversial action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level due to federal inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond the West, additional states are likewise exploring options.

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

Yet, global organizations take a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments globally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.