Australia's recent ban on social media for children under 16 has sparked a global conversation among parents, many of whom are grappling with the pervasive influence of platforms like TikTok and Instagram on their children's lives. The debate, unfolding at school drop-offs, playgrounds, online forums, and group chats, centers on whether similar government intervention is necessary in other countries.

The Australian law has resonated with parents worldwide who feel overwhelmed by the challenges of monitoring and controlling their children's social media use. A father in Spain, frustrated by his teenage daughter's ability to circumvent parental controls, expressed a desire for a ban on apps like TikTok and Instagram for children.

However, the issue is far from clear-cut. In France, a mother of three voiced concerns about social media's impact on young people, stating she would delay giving her children smartphones until they reached 15. Yet, she remained skeptical that a government prohibition was the answer, highlighting the complexities of the issue.

The core of the debate revolves around the balance between parental responsibility and government intervention. A mother in Chile argued that teaching children responsible social media use is primarily a parental duty, not a governmental one. This perspective underscores the belief that families should be empowered to guide their children's online experiences.

The Australian ban, while supported by a majority of parents in the country according to surveys, has also faced resistance. Reports indicate that some teenagers are exploring VPNs and other methods to bypass the restrictions, raising questions about the law's long-term effectiveness.

Several countries are now considering adopting similar legislation. Malaysia has announced plans to bar children under 16 from social media starting in 2026. Denmark is also contemplating stringent restrictions in Europe, potentially setting a precedent for other nations.

The global discussion reflects a growing awareness of the potential risks associated with early social media use, including concerns about mental health, body image issues, and online safety. As governments and parents grapple with these challenges, the Australian experiment is being closely watched as a potential model or cautionary tale.