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The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," said the MEP supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and fit for minors," commented a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is primarily happening at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.