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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," stated one MEP supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the state government level due to national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, additional nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this international debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.