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The Australian bold action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's youth". The policy could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust data".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.