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The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong data".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid national inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.