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The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the local government level due to federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

As this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.