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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of countries are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

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

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is largely happening at the state government level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.

As this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.