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Australia's decisive move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," stated a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the regional level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, other states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations take a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.