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Australia's bold action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is mostly happening at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this international conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that states globally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.