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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". A law could be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," said the parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, further nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others show that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.