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Australia's bold move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," stated the European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and others show that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.