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The Australian bold action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of these regions, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

As this global debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.