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Australia's controversial action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the legal age for accessing 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 parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," commented one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level amid national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, other countries are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that states globally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.