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The Australian controversial policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to block their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the step does not enact binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," stated one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to copy this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states internationally are no longer content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.