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The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization set up by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and suitable for children," said a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and others show that states around the world are less and less content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.