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Australia's controversial move to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the state level amid national stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this international conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.