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The Australian bold policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

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

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". A law could be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the local level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.