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The nation's bold action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, momentum built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this global conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that states globally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.