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Australia's controversial move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law may be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," commented the parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Outside of the West, other countries are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.