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Australia's controversial action to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to copy this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

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

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.

As this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others show that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.