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Australia's controversial action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good first step," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after viewing harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Beyond these regions, further nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.