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The Australian bold policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing number of states are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," commented one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and suitable for children," said a leading peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level due to federal inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from these regions, further countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.