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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," stated one European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is mostly happening at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this global conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.