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Australia's controversial action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," said the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for minors," stated a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the state government level due to national inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Apart from the West, further nations are also taking action.

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

But, international bodies take a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this global conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and others show that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.