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The nation's bold action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

The European Movement

In Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.

As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.