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The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to approve a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," said the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the local government level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.