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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of states are exploring similar measures.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and suitable for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.