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The Australian controversial policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law could be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," said the parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading peer.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is largely happening at the local government level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, further nations are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and others show that policymakers around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.