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The Australian controversial move to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," commented a leading MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust data".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to copy this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of the West, other states are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.