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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy could be passed soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," stated the parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.