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The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," said one MEP supporting the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization established by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and fit for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide debate continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.