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The Australian bold move to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". The policy could be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and fit for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states globally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.