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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Movement

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional government level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.