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The nation's bold move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," stated the MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states globally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.