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The Australian controversial action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," said the parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong data".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

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

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this international conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.