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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good first step," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong data".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world bodies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

Even as this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.