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The nation's controversial action to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," commented the European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the local government level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, other states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.