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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

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

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, other states are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that governments internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.