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The Australian bold action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the local government level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.