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Australia's controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," said one MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.