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Australia's controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong research".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

As this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.