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The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.