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The Australian decisive move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," commented one European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the state government level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, further states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.