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The Australian bold move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

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

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated one MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and fit for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local government level amid national inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide debate continues, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.