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The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," said a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.