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Australia's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering comparable bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a bill increasing 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 suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," said the MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on strong data".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.