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The nation's bold action to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," stated a leading MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust data".

Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts argues that a simple 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 response to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a prominent peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional government level due to federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.