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Australia's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," said one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.