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The Australian bold policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to further research the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, other countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that states internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.