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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," said one MEP supporting the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust data".

Earlier, interest grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and suitable for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this international discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.