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Australia's decisive action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," stated one MEP supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level amid national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, additional states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.