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The Australian decisive action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," commented one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this international debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.