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The Australian bold policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," commented one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, other states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.