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The Australian bold policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

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

Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.