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Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law may be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," commented the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state government level due to national stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Beyond the West, other nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies take a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.