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The Australian bold action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," said a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who died after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of these regions, additional countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this global discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers show that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.