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The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.