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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, 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 parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," said one European lawmaker behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to copy this path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this global debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and others show that governments globally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.