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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to approve a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," stated the parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for children," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the state government level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of these regions, other states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations strike a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this global discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.