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The Australian controversial action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". A law may be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," commented one European lawmaker behind the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, additional countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this international conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.