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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a good foundation," commented the MEP supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various figures to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Outside of the West, further states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

As this international discussion evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.