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The nation's controversial action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to approve a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," said the MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.