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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on strong research".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, additional states are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global debate evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.