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Australia's controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". A law could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," commented a prominent peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is largely occurring at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.

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

However, world agencies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this global debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.