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The nation's decisive action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," commented the MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Previously, support built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this global conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.