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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," said one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global conversation continues, the policies of this nation and its followers show that states internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.