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The Australian bold move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," commented the parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and fit for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this global conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.