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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," stated the MEP supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong data".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government 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.

However, world organizations strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this global discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others show that governments around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.