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The nation's controversial policy to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

The European Movement

In Europe, a growing number of nations are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," said a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some politicians to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

As this international conversation continues, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.