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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a bill 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 legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond the West, other states are also exploring options.

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

But, global organizations adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.