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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," commented a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to copy this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies take a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this international conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states internationally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.