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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the state government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Apart from the West, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that states internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.