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The nation's bold action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," said one MEP behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the state government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, further countries are also taking action.

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

But, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this global discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.