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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the state government level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others show that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.