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The Australian bold policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," commented one MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the local government level amid federal inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Beyond the West, further nations are also considering moves.

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

Yet, global organizations adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this international discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.