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Australia's bold move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," commented the MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, further states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers show that states globally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.