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The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," commented one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the local government level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.