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The Australian controversial policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy may be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust evidence".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

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

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some figures to copy this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from the West, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.