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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "an measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.