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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". A law may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to copy this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

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

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

However, global organizations strike a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.