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The Australian controversial move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," stated one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong research".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state government level due to federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

While this international discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.