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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," said the MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong data".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and fit for minors," said a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to follow this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, further countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

As this international conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.