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The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," stated one MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," commented a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is largely happening at the state level due to national inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to copy this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this international debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.