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The Australian bold move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill raising 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 parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and suitable for young users," stated a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the local government level amid national stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

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

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world bodies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.