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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a good first step," said one parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Earlier, support built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this international debate continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.