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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," commented one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

While this global debate continues, the actions of this nation and its followers show that policymakers globally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.