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Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," said one MEP supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust research".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and suitable for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid national gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this international conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.