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Australia's bold policy to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy may be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," stated the parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a influential peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states globally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.