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Australia's decisive action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," stated one MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.