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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that states internationally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.