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The Australian bold action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". A law could be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government committed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and fit for young users," said a influential peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the local level amid national inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from these regions, additional states are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.