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The Australian bold action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation may be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

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

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

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

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

As this global discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.