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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of states are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," commented one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust data".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.