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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising group of countries are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to pass a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," said the European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the regional level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations take a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.