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The Australian decisive move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented one MEP supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a leading peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.

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

Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this international conversation continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.