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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is largely happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.