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Australia's bold action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," stated one European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".

Last year, momentum built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, additional nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

As this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.