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The Australian bold move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level amid federal inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are also considering moves.

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

But, global organizations take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.