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Australia's decisive action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," said the MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

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

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.