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Australia's decisive move to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". The policy could be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the state government level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to copy this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that governments around the world are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.