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The nation's controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact binding law.

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

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level due to national stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, additional countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.