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The nation's controversial policy to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," stated the parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to copy this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Outside of the West, other states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this global conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.