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The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing number of nations are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, regulation is largely happening at the state level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of the West, other countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.