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Australia's controversial move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to block their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," said the parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.