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Australia's bold move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation could be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," said the MEP driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, other states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that states globally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.