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The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising number of nations are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," stated one MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the family of a girl who died after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level amid national stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this international discussion continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.