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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," commented the MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on robust data".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is largely occurring at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from these regions, further states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of this nation and others indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.