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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," stated the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is largely happening at the state level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, other countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this worldwide debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that states globally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.