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Australia's bold policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.