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The Australian bold move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.

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

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from these regions, other nations are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world bodies take a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this global conversation continues, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.