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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust data".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various figures to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this global conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and others indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.