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The Australian decisive move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

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

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," said the MEP behind the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who died after encountering harmful online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and fit for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain figures to copy this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations take a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.