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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid first step," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.

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

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further nations are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.