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Australia's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," said the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and suitable for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further states are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.