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The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," stated the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the state level amid national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this global debate continues, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.