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Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Movement

In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the local government level due to national inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world bodies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

As this global discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.