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The Australian decisive policy to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," stated one MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are similarly taking action.

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

However, international organizations take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.

Even as this international discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments globally are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.