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The nation's bold policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to pass a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," commented one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong data".

Last year, support gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

Even as this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.