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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong data".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the regional level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Beyond the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and others show that states globally are less and less content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.