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The Australian decisive move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely happening at the local government level due to national stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of these regions, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.