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The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a growing group of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," stated the MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some individuals to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond the West, additional states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this global debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.