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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law could be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong research".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, action is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from the West, other states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this global conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.