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The Australian decisive move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive data".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," commented a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to follow this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, additional countries are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this global debate continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.