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Australia's decisive action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising number of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," said the MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust evidence".

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

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

International Views

Beyond the West, other nations are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this international conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.