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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," stated one MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond the West, additional countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this global debate evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.