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Australia's bold action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation could be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," commented one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this international conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.