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Australia's decisive action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

In Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". A law could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing harmful online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and fit for minors," said a leading child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional government level amid national stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, further states are similarly taking action.

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

However, international organizations take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

As this international debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that governments globally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.