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The Australian controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said the MEP supporting the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to follow this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.