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Australia's controversial action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of states are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.