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Australia's controversial move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a good first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of the West, other nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations take a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this international conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.