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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and suitable for children," said a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional level amid national inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, further nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.