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The nation's controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the local level due to national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

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

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.