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Australia's bold policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the local level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.