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The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the regional level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.