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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good first step," said the MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

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

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.

Even as this global conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.