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Australia's decisive move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". A law could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," said the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong data".

Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the state government level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

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

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.