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The Australian decisive action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to block their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," commented the MEP driving the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust data".

Last year, support built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of the West, additional states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this global debate continues, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.